Henry making stage debut as Othello

7:40pm Friday 3rd October 2008

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Lenny Henry is to make his stage acting debut as Othello, it has been announced.

The comedian will star in a production of Shakespeare's famous tragedy on a national tour.

Henry, who turned 50 this year, said the role was a "new challenge" and "daunting". He said he was inspired to play the part after making the film True Identity in Los Angeles.

In the comedy, Henry played a black actor who wants a role in Othello but has to adopt the identity of a white man to escape the Mafia.

He said: "The sub-plot involved my character understudying (actor) James Earl Jones in the role of Othello. He and I discussed the role many times over the filming period, and as one of America's premier black actors, I felt honoured to have the privilege of his wisdom.

"He told me that when the time was right I should jump in with both feet, work hard, keep my eyes and ears open and let the text do all the heavy lifting."

He added: "I hope to get a diverse audience, people that haven't been to the theatre before. I do see this as something I'm going to want to do more of. It gives you gravitas."

Barrie Rutter, who will be directing the new production, said: "I first met Lenny over a microphone whilst recording an Othello speech for Radio 4. Afterwards, Lenny declared to me that sitting with his back against a wall, learning lines in a company of actors was a strong desire of his.

"I didn't need any prompting and two weeks later with West Yorkshire Playhouse on board as co-producers, we were able to offer Lenny a deal."

Othello will form part of the spring season at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds next year before going on a national tour with performances in Scarborough, Coventry, Bath, Kingston, Newcastle under Lyme and Halifax.

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